Palmer Daily. Really.

Your Palmer Editor apologizes for a much-longer-than-anticipated absence from the blogosphere due to moving and other mundane life activities. We are happily ensconced in a new home close enough to the church to pester absolutely everyone there every day, making it ever-so- much easier to track down the critical Palmer news.

The Palmer Youth group returned from Chicago last Saturday, having had by all reports an outstanding week of mission, group activity and fun. They worked through the week with groups of younger children, ages 6 - 12, through a ministry based on Chicago's west side. One 9th grader remarked that these kids had an awful lot of energy; this is amusing given that we have it on very good authority that this same 9th grader did not sleep once through the night until the age of 2. It also tells me that our teens were fully engaged in mentoring others and took their mission seriously. At the airport the group seemed almost reluctant to say goodbye. We thank Anthony Orona, his good friend Jonathan, Libby Spode, and the staff in Chicago who supervised and worked alongside our youth to build in them the spirit of mission.

The architectural beauties that are the doors to the north lot are being refinished, a job that was much needed and which will have a stunning result. In the meantime the north entrance is boarded up for safety and will remain so until this weekend. The north lot itself is open for parking but you'll need to make a quick walk to enter the campus either at the south doors or the west gate. I for one am looking forward to seeing these lovely doors when they are refurbished.

Note to all: the church offices will be closed on July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

This Sunday: no summer Sunday school classes, but the Lectionary Bible Study and Parents of Young Children classes will meet as usual. Youth grades 6 - 12 are encouraged to come to the Loft in the 10 o'clock hour as well.

Thanks to all of you who have offered your comments and support for our blog.